U.S. patent application number 13/521975 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-30 for appliance for disinfecting the hands of a user.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bernard Feldain, Claude Ferrand. Invention is credited to Bernard Feldain, Claude Ferrand.
Application Number | 20130136669 13/521975 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42313767 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130136669 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Feldain; Bernard ; et
al. |
May 30, 2013 |
APPLIANCE FOR DISINFECTING THE HANDS OF A USER
Abstract
The invention relates to an appliance for disinfecting the hands
of a user, said appliance including: a disinfection chamber (1), at
least one opening (10) through which the user inserts his or her
hands (M) in the disinfection chamber; separators (4) placed in the
disinfection chamber (1) such that the fingers are separated when
the user inserts his or her hands in said chamber, characterised in
that the disinfection chamber (1) is provided with a device for
spraying a disinfectant product in said chamber and a device for
blowing air into said chamber, said two devices operating at the
same time, and in that the spraying device consists of injectors
(11a, 11b, 12a, 12b) suitable for scattering a disinfectant product
into the blown air stream, the scattering of the disinfectant
product being carried out in a spatial sector defined by a vertical
plane and an inclined plane of 1.degree. to 90.degree., preferably
45.degree. to 90.degree., relative to the axis of said air
stream.
Inventors: |
Feldain; Bernard;
(Mandelieu-la-Napoule, FR) ; Ferrand; Claude;
(Nice, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Feldain; Bernard
Ferrand; Claude |
Mandelieu-la-Napoule
Nice |
|
FR
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
42313767 |
Appl. No.: |
13/521975 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
January 12, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR2011/050051 |
371 Date: |
December 4, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
422/300 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 2/22 20130101; A47K
7/04 20130101; A61B 90/80 20160201; A61L 2/0094 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
422/300 |
International
Class: |
A61L 2/00 20060101
A61L002/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 14, 2010 |
FR |
1050225 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for disinfecting the hands of a user, the apparatus
comprising: a disinfection chamber, an opening through which the
user introduces his hands into the disinfection chamber, separators
placed in the disinfection chamber so as to force the fingers to
separate from each other when the user inserts his hands into the
chamber, characterized by the fact that the disinfection chamber is
provided with a device for spraying a disinfectant product in the
chamber and a device for blowing air into the chamber, the two
devices operating at the same time, and by the fact that the device
for spraying comprises nozzles enabling dispersion of a
disinfectant product in the flow of blown air, the dispersion of
the disinfectant product being carried out in a spatial sector
defined by a vertical plane and an inclined plane of 1.degree. to
90.degree., preferably of 45.degree. to 90.degree., with respect to
the axis of the air flow.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separators are
vertical rods positioned in the disinfection chamber, the spacing
between the rods defining the separation of the fingers.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separators
incorporate a device for spraying the disinfectant product directly
between the fingers.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising two elliptical
openings through which the user inserts his hands into the
disinfection chamber.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spaying device
comprises nozzles dispersing a disinfectant product, the nozzles
being arranged in the disinfection chamber so as to disperse the
product on the front and back of the hands, the dispersion being
carried out from the fingertips to the wrist and from wrist to the
fingertips.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the disinfection
chamber is provided with a device for blowing warm air in the
chamber so as to dry hands after the disinfection phase.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the disinfection
phase and drying phase are automatically controlled by a
programmable control unit.
8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the disinfection
chamber is provided with a window enabling the user to see the
position of his hands in the chamber.
9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bottom of the
disinfection chamber is inclined or funnel-shaped so as to
facilitate the flow of condensate to a low point, the latter being
connected to a discharge conduit opening into a storage
container.
10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the disinfection
chamber comprises a raisable hood enabling, once raised, direct
access to the interior of the chamber.
11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the disinfection
chamber comprises vents.
12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the disinfection
chamber is attached to a unit in which are positioned the
mechanical components enabling operation of it.
13. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a unit in which
are arranged the mechanical components enabling operation of the
disinfection chamber, the unit and the chamber being joinable and
detachable.
14. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interior of the
disinfection chamber is free of obstacles between the separators
and the spraying device, so that the disinfectant product can be
directly sprayed on the hands of the user.
15. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the disinfection
chamber is provided with Xenon vapor lamps in order to disinfect
the hands.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] An object of the invention is an apparatus enabling
disinfection of the hands of a user.
[0002] It relates to the general technical field of sanitary
apparatus and more particularly to those enabling the disinfection
and the drying of hands.
PRIOR ART
[0003] Apparatus for hand disinfection are well known in the prior
art. The patent documents U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,631 (ROSA), U.S. Pat.
No. 2,814,081 (STEVENSON), WO 98/53752 (DEIBERT), WO 00/48640
(SCHNEIDER), WO 2006/058374 (CHOATE) describe apparatus having a
disinfection chamber with an opening enabling the user to insert
his hands into the aforementioned chamber. The apparatus described
in WO 98/53752 (DEIBERT) and WO 2006/058374 (CHOATE) can also
comprise a dryer. Thus, a user can insert his hand(s), clean them
with the cleaning and/or disinfection solution, and dry them,
without any manual operation being necessary.
[0004] In general, nozzles are positioned in the disinfection
chamber so as to spray a disinfectant substance on the surface of
the hands. These disinfection apparatus are not, however, totally
effective because they do not disinfect all parts of hands, only
the front and back being treated.
[0005] Known from the document U.S. Pat. No. 3,220,424 (NELSON) is
an apparatus for disinfecting the hands of a user, comprising a
disinfection chamber, at least one opening through which the user
inserts his hands into the disinfection chamber. Separators are in
the aforementioned disinfection chamber so that the fingers
separate from each other when the user inserts his hands. However,
a guide for the hands is interposed between the separators and the
spaying device, so that the disinfectant is not directly sprayed on
the user's hands, the aforementioned guide forming a barrier
reducing the effectiveness of the apparatus.
[0006] Given this state of affairs, the main objective of the
invention is to provide an apparatus for disinfection more
effective than those known from the prior art.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The solution provided by the invention is an apparatus for
the disinfection of the hands of a user, the aforementioned
apparatus comprising: [0008] a disinfection chamber, [0009] at
least one opening through which the user inserts his hands into the
disinfection chamber,
[0010] This apparatus is characterized in that separators are
placed in the disinfection chamber so that the fingers separate
from each other when the user inserts his hands into the
aforementioned chamber.
[0011] In the apparatus known from the prior art, if the user
inserts his hands with the fingers closed, the disinfectant product
cannot reach all contaminated areas. To the contrary, the invention
enables systematic disinfection of all the places where a maximum
of bacteria can accumulate, that is to say between the fingers.
[0012] To simplify the design of the apparatus, the separators are
preferably vertical rods positioned in the disinfection chamber,
the spacing between the aforementioned rods defining the separation
of the fingers.
[0013] The decontamination chamber is advantageously equipped with
two elliptical openings through which the user inserts his hands
into the disinfection chamber. This elliptical shape enables
minimization of the dispersions of the disinfectant product out of
the chamber.
[0014] The disinfection chamber is preferably provided with a
device for spraying a disinfectant product in the aforementioned
chamber and a device for blowing air in the aforementioned chamber,
the aforementioned two devices operating at the same time. The
spraying combined with the air flow thus enables fogging, or
clouding, of the disinfectant in the interior of the chamber.
[0015] The spraying device preferably comprises nozzles dispersing
a disinfectant product into a stream of blown air, the
aforementioned nozzles being oriented in the disinfection chamber
so as to disperse the aforementioned product in a spatial sector
defined by a vertical plane and an inclined plane of 1.degree. to
90.degree., preferably of 45.degree. to 90.degree., relative to the
axis of the aforementioned air flow. Under these conditions, the
disinfectant mixes product optimally mixes with air to form a
homogeneous micro-fog able to more easily reach the whole surface
of hands, notably between the fingers.
[0016] Advantageously, the spraying device preferably comprises
nozzles dispersing a disinfectant product, the aforementioned
nozzles being positioned in the disinfection chamber so as to
disperse the aforementioned product onto the front and the back of
hands, the dispersion being made from the end of fingers towards
the wrist and from wrist towards the fingertips. It is thus
possible to effectively treat the entire surface of hands.
[0017] For efficiency advantage, the separators may also be
directly integrated into a device enabling spraying of disinfectant
product directly between the fingers.
[0018] The disinfection chamber may be provided with a device for
blowing warm air in the aforementioned chamber so as to dry hands
after the disinfection phase. In this case, the disinfection phase
and drying phase are controlled automatically by a programmable
control unit.
[0019] The disinfection chamber is preferably provided with a
window enabling the user to see the position of his hands in the
aforementioned chamber.
[0020] The bottom of the disinfection chamber can be inclined or
funnel-shaped so as to facilitate the flow of condensate towards a
low point, the latter being connected to a discharge conduit
opening into a storage container.
[0021] The disinfection chamber advantageously comprises a raisable
hood enabling, once raised, direct access to the interior of the
aforementioned chamber.
[0022] Vents can be provided in the disinfection chamber so as to
discharge any vapors that could ignite during the drying phase.
[0023] According to one implementation mode, the disinfection
chamber is attached to a unit in which are positioned the
mechanical components enabling its operation.
[0024] In another implementation mode, the apparatus comprises a
unit in which the mechanical components are positioned enabling
operation of the disinfection chamber, the aforementioned unit and
the aforementioned chamber being joinable and detachable.
[0025] In an implementation variant, the disinfection chamber is
provided with Xenon vapor lamps to disinfect their hands.
[0026] The apparatus object of the invention can be integrated into
a table, a wall, etc.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0027] Other advantages and features of the invention will better
appear upon reading the description of a preferred implementation
mode that is going to follow, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, made as indicative and non-limiting examples and in
which:
[0028] FIG. 1a is schematic perspective view of a preferred
implementation mode of the apparatus of the invention, the
disinfection chamber being closed,
[0029] FIG. 1b shows the apparatus of FIG. 1 with the disinfection
chamber open,
[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view along A-A of the
apparatus of FIG. 1a,
[0031] FIG. 3a is an enlarged view of the section B-B of the
apparatus of FIG. 2,
[0032] FIG. 3b is a sectional view along C-C of the apparatus of
FIG. 3a, only the disinfection chamber being shown,
[0033] FIG. 3c is a sectional view along D-D of the apparatus of
FIG. 3b, only the disinfection chamber being shown,
[0034] FIG. 4 schematically shows a possible installation of the
apparatus of the invention, the disinfection chamber being
positioned on one side of a wall and the unit contain mechanical
components on the other,
[0035] FIG. 5 schematically shows another possible installation of
the apparatus of the invention, the disinfection chamber being
positioned under the top of a table,
[0036] FIG. 6a is a sectional view of the disinfection chamber in
implementation variant,
[0037] FIG. 6b is a sectional view along E-E of the disinfection
chamber of FIG. 6a,
[0038] FIG. 7a is a sectional view of the disinfection chamber in
another implementation variant,
[0039] FIG. 7b is a sectional view along F-F of the disinfection
chamber of FIG. 7a,
[0040] FIG. 8a is a sectional view of the disinfection chamber in
yet another alternative implementation variant,
[0041] FIG. 8b is a sectional view along G-G of the disinfection
chamber of FIG. 8a.
IMPLEMENTATION MODES OF THE INVENTION
[0042] The apparatus of the invention is designed to disinfect the
hands of a user. It is particularly designed to be installed in a
medical setting such as: hospital, medical office, operating room,
etc. It can also be installed in a hotel, restaurant, factory,
home, etc.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1a and 1b, the apparatus is composed of
an upper part forming a disinfection chamber 1 and a lower part 2
forming a unit wherein the mechanical components are arranged
(pump, blower, . . . ) for the operation of the aforementioned
chamber. The latter advantageously comprises a tilting hood,
articulated by means of hinges with a horizontal axis, and
enabling, once raised (FIG. 1b), a direct access to the interior of
the cavity. This is particularly useful during technical
maintenance and/or during cleaning of the chamber. Similarly, the
unit 2 is provided with a door 200 articulated by means of hinges
with a vertical axis, and enabling direct access to the mechanical
components required for the operation of the chamber 1. If these
components generate mechanical vibrations, the unit 2
preferentially rests on anti-vibration supports 210, of the type
made of rubber. And in the case where these mechanical components
generate substantial noises, then the walls of the unit 2 can be
covered with sound insulation such as rockwool, cork, polyester,
"sandwich" panel, etc.
[0044] In the preferred implementation example shown in FIGS. 1a
and 1b, the device is in the form of a terminal designed to be
placed on the ground, the aforementioned terminal having a height
of approximately 150 cm, a width approximately 60 cm and a depth of
approximately 45 cm. This terminal is preferably formed of a
metallic structure covered with metal. In this case, the chamber 1
is directly attached on the unit 2. Other shapes and dimensions can
of course be provided. In particular, it is expected that the
chamber 1 and unit 2 be joinable and detachable. Referring to the
example of FIG. 4, it is thus possible to have a room on one side
of a wall W (opening for example into a corridor, lobby, etc.) and
the unit 2 of the other side of the aforementioned wall (opening
for example into a technical room). This solution can be used in
the case where the unit 2 contains mechanical components that are
noisy and/or susceptible to generate vibrations. One can also
provide for integrating the apparatus, and notably the chamber 1,
directly into a wall, etc. Referring to FIG. 5, the chamber 1 is
for example integrated into a table T, under the top of the
aforementioned table. Thus when people are around the table T, they
have the option of inserting their hands into the chamber 1 in
order to disinfect them prior to and/or after their meal.
[0045] In practice, the disinfection chamber 1 comprises a
partially sealed cavity in the center of which is positioned a
device to spray a disinfectant product. The chamber 1 comprises at
least an opening 10, preferably two, through which the user
introduces his hands H (FIG. 3a). These openings 10 are positioned
on the front of the apparatus. They are advantageously elliptical
in order to minimize the dispersions of disinfectant product during
its dissemination phase. The openings 10 may however be circular,
rectangular, or any other shape enabling the user to introduce his
hands. Similarly, one can provide a single opening large enough so
that the user can introduce his two hands. Referring to FIGS. 1a
and 1b, a step 22 (shown in phantom) can be positioned at the
bottom of the front of the unit 2, to enable children or small
people to properly introduce their hands into the chamber 1 through
the openings 10.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3b, the bottom of the chamber 1 is
inclined or funnel-shaped so as to facilitate the flow of
condensate of the sprayed disinfectant spray product, towards a low
point 14. The latter is connected to a discharge conduit 140
leading into a storage container 141 that may be a sealed container
recycling. The container 141 is positioned in the unit 2.
[0047] Referring specifically to FIGS. 2, 3a, 3b and 3c, the device
for spraying the disinfectant product comprises nozzles 11a, 11b,
12a, 12b positioned so as to circulate the aforementioned product
on the front and on the back of hands. Thus there are nozzles 11a,
12a placed in the upper part of the chamber 1, above the hands H
and nozzles 11b, 12b placed in the lower part of the aforementioned
chamber, below the aforementioned hands. In practice, each nozzle
comprises a spray head producing a diverging spray. The design of
these nozzles is well known to the person of skill in the art and
will not be described here with more detail.
[0048] The disinfectant used is for example a hydroalcoholic liquid
composition, a sodium hypochlorite or povidone iodine based liquid
based composition, or with any other disinfectant suitable for the
person of skill in the art.
[0049] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the
dispersion of the disinfectant product made not only from the
fingertips to the wrist, but also from the wrist to the fingertips.
In order to carry this out, nozzles 11a, 11b are positioned in
front of the chamber 1 and oriented so as to distribute the
disinfectant product to the rear portion of the aforementioned
chamber. The dispersion is thus made from the wrist to the
fingertips (FIGS. 3a and 3c). Other nozzles 12a, 12b are positioned
in the rear part of the chamber 1 and oriented so as to disperse
the disinfectant product to the front part of the aforementioned
chamber. The dispersion is thus made from the fingertips to the
wrist (FIGS. 3a and 3c). In this configuration, it is thus possible
to effectively treat the entire surface of hands.
[0050] The nozzles 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b are attached on conduits 13
made of 316L stainless steel or medical plastic and shaped in the
form of an arch in the interior of the chamber 1 (FIG. 3c).
Referring to FIG. 2, the conduits 13 are connected to a pump 130
itself connected to a reservoir 131 containing the disinfectant
product. A storage container 132 can also be provided. Valves 1310,
1320 enable selection of one of the reservoirs 131, 132. In
practice, these reservoirs 131, 132 are removable containers or
tanks from 5 L to 20 L positioned in unit 2.
[0051] The apparatus also incorporates a device for blowing air
into the chamber 1. Referring to the implementation mode of FIGS.
2, 3a, 3b and 3c, this device comprises tubes 20a, 20b placed in a
chamber, the aforementioned tubes being connected to an independent
blower 22 positioned in the unit 2. Each tube 20a, 20b comprises
perforations 21 enabling generation of a flow of air in the
interior of the chamber 1. A first tube 20a is placed at the bottom
of the chamber 1, in the upper part of the latter. The perforations
21 of this first tube are oriented so as to generate an air flow
substantially horizontal but slightly inclined towards the tops of
hands M. A second tube 20b is placed at the entrance of the chamber
1, in the lower part of the latter. The perforations of this second
tube are oriented so as to generate an air flow substantially
horizontal but slightly inclined towards the underside of hands M.
The spraying of the disinfectant product and the air flow combine
to homogeneously fog, or cloud, the aforementioned product in the
interior of the chamber 1.
[0052] The nozzles 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b are preferably oriented in
the chamber 1 so as to disperse the disinfectant product in a
spatial sector defined by a vertical plane and an inclined plane of
1.degree. to 90.degree., preferably of 45.degree. to 90.degree.
relative to the axis of flow of blown air. Under these conditions,
the disinfectant product is mixed well with air to form a
homogeneous micro-fog, misted or sprayed, able to more easily reach
all surfaces of hands H including inside the fingers. The
characteristics of the micro-fog depend on the dimensions (mainly
diameter) of the orifices of the nozzles 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b and the
injection pressure. In practice, the nozzles 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b are
mounted on hinges so that they can guide their dispersion.
[0053] According to the invention and as that is shown in FIG. 3a,
separator 4 are placed in the chamber 1 so as to force the fingers
to automatically separate from each other when the user inserts his
hands H into the aforementioned chamber 1, and enable homogeneous
distribution of the disinfectant product between the phalanges. The
separators 4 are directly positioned in the disinfection chamber 1.
The interior of the disinfection chamber 1 is devoid of a barrier
between the separators 4 and the spaying device, so that the
disinfectant product can be sprayed directly on the hands of the
users. No obstacles, of the guide type described in the document
U.S. Pat. No. 3,220,424 (NELSON), thus comes to surround the
separators 1 and the hands. In practice, the separators 4 are
vertical rods positioned in the chamber 1, at the openings 10, the
spacing between the aforementioned rods defining the spacing of the
fingers. These rods can be attached by welding, screwing or
otherwise, or the horizontal bars placed transversely in the
chamber 1 so as to link the two shorter sides of the aforementioned
chamber. The rods have for example a diameter of between 3 mm and
10 mm and are spaced apart by a distance of between 2 cm and 4 cm.
For each hand, three separators can suffice: a first designed for
positioning between the little and ring fingers; a second designed
for positioning between the ring and the major; a third designed
for positioning between the major and index. One can foresee a
fourth spacer designed for positioning between the forefinger and
the thumb. But the thumb being already naturally separated from the
index, this fourth spacer is not necessary. The separators 4 can
also directly incorporated a device to spray disinfectant product
directly between the fingers.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1a, 2, 3b and 3c, the chamber 1 is
preferably provided with a window 100 enabling the user to see the
position of his hands H in the aforementioned chamber in order to
correctly position his fingers between the separators 4. The window
100 is arranged substantially at the center of the raisable hood of
the chamber 1. It can be oval, round, rectangular, etc. In order to
further facilitate the guiding of hands M, a lighting device is
positioned in the interior of the chamber 1, the light being
activated while the apparatus is turned on or while the user has
his hands H positioned in the chamber 1. For this purpose, sensors
can be provided to detect the presence of hands H in the chamber
and activate the lighting.
[0055] When the user inserts his hands H into the chamber 1 and his
fingers separated, then all the rough parts that lie between the
fingers are always accessible and can be disinfected with the
disinfectant product, which apparatus known in the prior art does
not enable. Given that the area between the fingers is one where a
maximum of bacteria accumulates, the apparatus object of the
invention is more effective than those of the prior art.
[0056] The chamber 1 is preferably provided with a device for
blowing warm air in the aforementioned chamber in order to dry the
hands H after the disinfection phase. The apparatus thus combines
the functions of disinfection and drying without the user having to
rub his hands as is the case in most of the apparatus known in the
prior art. Preferentially, the device for blowing warm air is the
same as that used to blow the air during the phase of spraying the
disinfectant product. Thus, the tubes 20a, 20b remain connected to
the independent blower 200, but a heating resistance placed between
the aforementioned tubes and the aforementioned blower is activated
in order to heat the blown air. The tubes 20a, 20b can be mounted
in rotation approximately their longitudinal axis and automatically
placed in rotation in a back-and-forth movement by means of an
electric motor, so that the airflow sweeps the entire chamber 1 and
improves the drying of the hands. Any other equivalent device for
blowing warm air can be used by the person of skill in the art.
[0057] The drying phase follows the disinfection phase, these two
phases being controlled automatically by a programmable control
unit. In practice, sensors are provided in order to detect the
presence of hands H in the chamber 1, the control unit
automatically triggering the cycle of disinfection-drying. The
control unit can comprise an electronic card, a programmable login
controller, one or multiple processors or microprocessors
configured to execute one or multiple programs, subroutines,
firmware or any other equivalent software in order to manage the
operation of the unit. Referring to FIGS. 1a and 1b, a screen S is
provided on the apparatus so as to indicate, to the user, the
active phases and the treatment time remaining. This screen S can
be equipped with a touch keyboard or otherwise and enables the user
to choose a program from among multiple stored in the memory area
of the control unit.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1a, 1b and 3c, it is advantageous to
provide vents 100 in the chamber 1 so as to remove possible vapors
that could ignite during the drying phase. Indeed, the spraying of
the disinfectant product being capable of generating alcohol
vapors, there is a risk that the latter will ignite when placed in
contact with the warm drying air. The vents 110 are made in the top
or on the sides of the chamber 1. In addition, these vents 110
enable discharge of the warm air during the drying phase. To
improve the extraction of inflammable vapors and/or warm air, the
vents 100 can be combined with a forced ventilation system.
[0059] Similarly, it is advantageous to provide vents 120 in the
unit 2 so as to ensure a good air circulation in the aforementioned
unit for an efficient cooling of the various pumps, motors and
other electric heating resistance.
[0060] In the implementation mode shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, the
device for blowing air comprises fans 40 placed in the chamber 1.
In practice, these fans 40 are incorporated in the hood of the
apparatus and the airflow that they generate is substantially
vertical, directed towards the base of the chamber 1. As described
previously, the device for spraying the disinfectant product
comprises nozzles 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b placed so as to disperse the
aforementioned product on the front and the back of the hands.
Preferentially, two columns of nozzles, respectively 11a-11b and
12a-12b are attached on the vertical rods 130. Each nozzle
comprises a double pulverization head each producing a spray
divergent towards each of the hands of the user. In accordance with
the invention, the dispersion of the disinfectant product is
carried out in a spatial sector defined by a vertical plane and an
inclined plane of 1.degree. to 90.degree., preferentially
45.degree. to 90.degree., with respect to the axis of the flow of
blown air. Nozzles 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b are connected to the pump 130
itself connected to the reservoirs 131 and 132.
[0061] In the implementation mode shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b, the
device for blowing air comprises fans 400 is placed in the chamber
1. In practice, these fans 400 are incorporated in the hood of the
apparatus and in the bottom of the chamber 1. The air flow
generated by these fans 400 is substantially vertical, directed
downwards (for the fans above) or up (for the fans below). In this
implementation mode, the nozzles 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b are mounted on
supports directly attached on the axis of the fans 400. In
accordance with the invention, the dispersion of the disinfectant
product is carried out in a space segment defined by a vertical
plane and an inclined plane of 1.degree. to 90.degree., preferably
of 45.degree. to 90.degree., with respect to the axis of the flow
of blown air.
[0062] In the implementation mode shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b, the
spaying device is replaced by Xenon vapor lamps 500, or any other
type of lamp suitable for hand disinfection. These lamps 500 are
positioned at the top and the bottom of the chamber 1 so as to
treat the front and back of hands. The pulsed light from such lamps
is an intense flash that causes the systematic breakdown of
membranes and nuclei of all bacteria and viruses, preventing their
reproduction. In this case, lamps 500 ensure that no contaminated
surface can escape disinfection. The window 100 will optionally be
treated to protect the user against possible adverse effects
associated with the pulsed light.
* * * * *